Deadline Day hat trick: Augsburg also signs Claude-Maurice

Most recently in Nice, now at FCA: Alexis Claude-Maurice.
IMAGO/PanoramiC

Shortly before the deadline, FC Augsburg made another move on the transfer market and signed central defender Chrislain Matsima (Monaco) and midfielder Frank Onyeka (Brentford) as well as Alexis Claude-Maurice. The Frenchman was without a club after his contract in Nice expired at the end of last season. In Augsburg, the attacking midfielder will also help to compensate for the loss of Arne Engels, who has moved to Celtic Glasgow. Claude-Maurice has signed a contract until June 30, 2027.

“Alexis brings a lot of playing experience from the top French league and the junior national teams,” explains FCA sports director Marinko Jurendic. “He can be used in a variety of offensive positions. With his technical skills, agility and creativity, he should give our offensive game important impetus, especially in the final third.”

Vice-champion with Lens, 102 Ligue 1 appearances

For Claude-Maurice, it is the first stop abroad. In addition to a temporary loan to RC Lens, with whom he became runner-up in the 2022/23 season, the 26-year-old was trained in the youth academy of FC Lorient before his time in Nice. They left the second-tier Bretons for OGC in 2019. The two-time U-21 international has played a total of 102 games in Ligue 1, in which he scored ten goals. There are also six Europa League games (one goal).

Recently, Claude-Maurice was rarely the first choice in Nice after his loan return from Lens, which is why his contract was not renewed. The midfielder wants to give his career in the Fuggerstadt a new boost: “After my contract in Nice ended, I was looking for an ambitious club where I could develop as best as possible. The discussions with those in charge at FC Augsburg were extremely positive and gave me the feeling that I was in the right place. I am at the best age for football and I want to help the team with good performances and hopefully also with goals and assists so that we have a successful season.”